Nitty Gritty Dirt Dash to benefit Emporia’s Camp Alexander

If you think you have what it takes to beat a 5K obstacle course and raise money for children to attend summer camp, then put the Nitty Gritty Dirt Dash on your calendar.

Patterned after popular Warrior Dashes, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Dash kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at Camp Alexander east of Emporia, 1783 Road P5. Entrants will test themselves against an ultimate obstacle course that includes crawling through barb wire trenches, climbing over cargo nets, running up Heartbreak Ridge and obstacles.

Entrants will take off in waves with the first wave starting at 10 a.m. and the final wave at 12:30 p.m.

After besting the obstacle course, or if you just want to watch the competitors, plan to stick around for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Dash celebration beginning at noon with music from Russell Dickerson, food vendors and kids activities.

Competing in the dash costs just $20 for the event plus a T-shirt or $10 each for either the dash or T-shirt. All T-shirts orders must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. All funds raised go to pay scholarships for campers at Camp Alexander.

Entrants must be 14 years or older to compete. Registration forms are available in Emporia at Genesis Health Club, 1007 Commercial St.; Emporia Fitness, 2812 W. 12th Ave.; High Gear Cyclery & Fitness Equipment, 520 Commercial St.; and Ideal Nutrition, 1117½ Commercial St.; on campus at the Student Recreation Center and Center for Student Involvement and online at www.emporia.edu/recsports/events/nitty-gritty.html. Onsite registrations will be accepted the day of the event.

The event is sponsored by Emporia State University, Union Activities Council, Associated Student Government, Community Hornets, Camp Alexander and Emporia State Recreation Services.